Kushimoto串本

Table coral grows beautifully in the azure sea. The cape of Shiono-misaki features inlets along the saw-toothed coast.

Southernmost part of Wakayama is Kushimoto and the southernmost cape, Shiono-misaki. It is here that the warm current that flows along the Japanese archipelago comes closest to Honshu (the mainland of Japan), thus making this area a rich fishing ground. The sea around this area is high in transparency and most of the coastline has high cliffs, strangely shaped rocks and inlets typical of a saw-toothed coastline, which are designated as part of Kumano-Yoshino National Park.

In the azure ocean stretching westward from the base of cape Shiono-misaki, table coral grow in colonies. Kushimoto Kaichu-koen Park is the first sea park ever to be designated in Japan and over 300 kinds of creatures live in the sea around here. Visitors can watch tropical fish swimming from the glass window of the sea-observation area 140 meters from the shore, or from semi-submarine style sightseeing boat. Fishing spots along the coast are crowded with fishermen looking for a big catch.

Hot springs are abundant and visitors can take a bath to refresh themselves in hotels and public baths run by the town. The Kushimoto-matsuri Festival is held in July every year. People of each group dress in the same style of yukata (an informal cotton kimono) to compete in the design and also compete in the dance of Kushimoto-bushi-so-odori.